- Duration: 4 Days (approx.)
- Location: Port Moresby
- Product code: 4dayspom
Around Port Moresby - Sogeri Plateau - 4 Days
For those who are in Port Moresby for just a few days and are looking for a quick getaway from the city, and wanting more than a Day Tour from Port Moresby, this trip is perfect! Though many opt to go to the highlands for their short stay - staying closer to the city and not having to take a domestic flight can be more appealing - and relaxing for the few days you have.
Over the course of 4 days/3 nights, you will have an opportunity to head east from the capital city to the Sogeri Plateau and experience nature at its finest. From incredible parks to exploring one of the most famous points of the Kokoda Trail - Ower's Corner - your fully guided tour is sure to impress.
This tour allows for a nice break from the heat of the city while offering some birdwatching and light trekking/walking.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Port Moresby - Sogeri Plateau
Today as you arrive in Port Moresby, you will be met and transferred to Sogeri Plateau where you will stay overnight at Sogeri Lodge. Single Room.
Located about 45 minutes from the international airport in Port Moresby, Sogeri is quite well known for his incredible location. Beautifully situated about 500m above sea level, the area has an incredible climate and offers a plenty of great picnic spots and green area. Sogeri is the entrance/exit to the famous Kokoda trail and sees most of the trekkers on their way in and/or out!
Day 2: Varirata National Park
Tour to Variarata National Park and Sirimunum Lake and return to Sogeri Lodge.
Variarata National Park is home to some wildlife, though in recent days as they tend to prefer to hide further in the jungle. The park is a bird-lovers paradise as it is home to many different species of birds including Bird of Paradise species. The park offers panoramic views at almost every corner including views of Port Moresby and the coast.
Day 3: Owers Corner, Kokoda Trail
Full day tour to Owers Corner, Kokoda Trail
Overnight at Sogeri Lodge
Day 4: Port Moresby Transfer and Perhaps a Port Moresby Day Tour
This morning you will transfer from Sogeri Lodge back to Port Moresby to the airport for your flight out. If there is time today you can participate in a short Port Moresby City Tour.
End of Services
Included:
Accommodation
Guides
Transfers listed in itinerary
Excluded:
Meals and Drinks
Travel Insurance
Domestic and International Flights
- Day 1: I am warmly greeted by David Kima, who recounts the story and conservation movement of Hogave. We arrive in the middle of the local village mourning of a recently deceased member, a very rare and local experience, totally unplanned. After 3 hours of very rocky road driving, I arrive at the Hogave Conservation Centre welcomed by two villagers who performed a traditional wind instrument that very few locals can play, and incredibly, I become only the second (or third) tourist ever to stay here.
- Day 2: I trek through a truly "virgin" rain forest, one of very few remaining in the world (Congo, Amazon, and PNG), guided by three locals bushwhacking the way with machetes, climb a very wild and steep mountain side equivalent of 200 floors (according to my iPhone) to become the first tourist to reach the top of Mt. Michael. (The way down in the pouring rain was our least favorite moment.) As someone who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, I can truthfully say this was a much more challenging level of difficulty - There the most I've climbed in one day was 134 floors, 3-4 hours max, with a different day dedicated to a descent, but in Michael, it was 200 floor, up and down in one day, for 10-12 hours, with far steeper and unpaved paths without camps. This hike/trek is only for the fittest of the fit!
- Day 3: I become the first tourist to visit and stay overnight at Hogave Village, an isolated and remote hour-and-a-half walk from HCC, and join the villagers in peeling potatoes and taro, preparing, and eating mumu. I stay overnight with David (another David) and his family.
- Day 4: I join the villagers gathered to enjoy a traditional hunting performance
- Day 5: I get cellular reception for the first time since I arrive in PNG and get to upload and share my first batch of photos with my friends. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837672754956.1073741876.3501655&type=3
- Day 1: I ride a local bus (!) with my guide Pauline Puipui to Ratavul where I visit to stay with her family. I visit the local beach, listen to the stories of Pauline's parents, and join them for dinner which is mumu with the biggest giant claims I've ever seen in my life! I stay overnight at an authentic hut and bed made of woven coconut leaves.
- Day 2: I try weaving coconut leaves, scraping coconuts, etc. in preparing mumu that we enjoy with the family and neighbors, then string together local currency of shells. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.836154502546.1073741875.3501655&type=3
- Day 3: I am amazed by the first day of Mask Festival with the early morning Kinavai and nighttime Baining Fire Dance. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837870833006.1073741880.3501655&type=3 In between during the day, I snorkel and sail with dolphins on the way to/from Duke of York Islands where I explore and picnic at the beach. https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.836148634306.1073741874.3501655&type=3
- Days 4-5: More amazing moments at the Festival
- Day 6: I climb to the top Mt Tavurvur volcano and explore Rabaul, including the Japanese bunker and barge tunnels, and Rabaul Museum/Rabaul Hotel. What a history! https://www.facebook.com/grace.forker.7/media_set?set=a.837875388876.1073741881.3501655&type=3
-Grace Forker, Comprehensive Multi-Destination PNG Expedition
